DirecTV in the News

PAX TV Joins DIRECTV Lineup

PAX Family Entertainment Network Available to all High-Power DIRECTV Customers

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 4, 2000--Paxson Communications Corp. announced Thursday they have reached a multi-year satellite agreement, with DIRECTV Inc., making Paxson's PAX TV network the latest addition to programming available from DIRECTV®, the nation's leading digital television entertainment service.

PAX, a national family entertainment network, is now available to more than 7.3 million high-power DIRECTV customers as part of the TOTAL CHOICE package tier.

Paxson President and CEO Jeff Sagansky, said: ``We are delighted that DIRECTV has added PAX to its programming lineup, which has proven successful in balancing the interests of the whole family. Not only will this agreement allow us to reach DIRECTV's broad customer base, but with this agreement we anticipate that PAX will now grow to 80% of all U.S. households - on par with UPN and the WB.''

``The addition of PAX to our channel lineup gives our customers access to the network's original and exclusive off-network programming,'' said Michael Thornton, vice president of Programming Acquisitions, DIRECTV Inc. ``We're proud to have reached this agreement, giving customers yet another viewing option for their family.''

PAX is the ninth new addition to the DIRECTV programming lineup, following the recent announcements of The Biography Channel, DIY, Discovery KIDS and PBS Kids. PAX is available on DIRECTV channel 255.

About Paxson Communications Corporation

Paxson Communications Corp. owns and operates the nation's largest broadcast television station group and PAX TV, the newest broadcast television network. PAX, the national family entertainment network, currently reaches 80% of U.S. television households via the Company's nationwide broadcast television and cable distribution system. Through the Company's strategic relationship with the National Broadcasting Company (NBC), PAX is broadcasting NBC's popular game show ``Twenty One,'' on Saturday nights. Beginning Saturday June 3rd, PAX will air weekly extended primetime coverage of NBC's 2000 U.S. Olympic Team Trials leading up to this year's Olympic Games in Sydney. The foundation of the PAX Monday through Friday primetime schedule includes original series ``Hope Island,'' ``Chicken Soup For The Soul,'' ``Twice In A Lifetime,'' and ``It's a Miracle.'' Leading into prime time is the all-new game show bloc that includes original episodes of ``Supermarket Sweep,'' ``Shop `Til You Drop'' and ``Hollywood Showdown.'' Additionally, the lineup features off-network runs of the hit series ``Touched By An Angel'' and ``Diagnosis Murder,'' as well as original specials and theatrical and made-for-television movies.